The 2008 Grand Shield winners, Leyland has announced two new signings for the summer period.

The band has appointed Daniel Brooks as its new solo trombone player and has also welcomed Sarah Burn to its percussion team.

Performers

Daniel began playing the trombone under the instruction of Harry Bentham. He studied at the RNCM and Huddersfield University with Nick Hudson, Simon Johnson and Les Storey and is returning to university in September to complete a Masters in Music Performance. Daniel previously played solo trombone at the YBS Band.

Sarah is originally from Stanley, Co. Durham and began playing percussion when she was six years old. She was taught by Barry Black and first started championship section banding with Easington
Colliery before joining the Reg Vardy Band when she was 15. Sarah is currently studying music at Huddersfield University.

We are very excited to be joining the band and working with Jason. The band is in an upward motion and we are glad to be a part of the whole thing. We hope we can play our own part in helping the band succeedDaniel Brooks & Sarah Burn

First rate

Musical Director Jason Katsikaris told 4BR: "Danny is a first rate trombone player. He is both exuberant and ambitious. Sarah, of course, has a burgeoning reputation as a leader in her field. She is an exceptional percussionist. Both Sarah and Danny complete a
talented line up of soloists at Leyland."

Home territory

Daniel meanwhile told 4BR: "I have lived within a mile of Leyland Band my whole life but always travelled to Yorkshire for banding. I’m really glad to be playing on home territory again."

Excited

Daniel and Sarah jointly stated: "We are very excited to be joining the band and working with Jason. The band is in an upward motion and we are glad to be a part of the whole thing. We hope we can play our own part in helping the band succeed."